Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe

This Shrimp Pesto Penne recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner! Imagine tender penne pasta tossed with succulent shrimp, crisp sugar snap peas, and a vibrant pesto sauce, all finished with a squeeze of lemon juice. This recipe is incredibly easy to make, ready in just 30 minutes, and sure to impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in a flash with minimal ingredients and just one pan to clean.
  • Flavorful and Fresh: The combination of pesto, shrimp, and lemon creates a bright and satisfying flavor profile.
  • Versatile: Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy kick.
  • Elegant and Satisfying: This dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.

Ingredients

  • Penne pasta: A classic pasta shape that’s perfect for holding the pesto sauce.
  • Olive oil: Used to cook the shrimp and vegetables.
  • Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, they add a delicate sweetness and succulent texture.
  • Sugar snap peas: Contribute sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color.
  • Pesto: Use store-bought or homemade pesto for a flavorful sauce.
  • Lemon: Zested and juiced, it adds a bright and zesty flavor.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make Shrimp Pesto Penne

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water when draining.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp and Vegetables

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 minutes without stirring. Add the sugar snap peas and stir until the shrimp are just becoming opaque and the snap peas are crisp-tender.

Step 3: Combine and Finish

Stir in the pesto and cooked pasta until well combined. Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and the lemon juice, tossing to coat. If needed, add some of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Use fresh shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh shrimp.
  • Don’t overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp will be tough. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
  • Use quality pesto: Choose a high-quality pesto for the best flavor.
  • Adjust the lemon: Add more or less lemon juice to your liking.

How to Serve

Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe

This Shrimp Pesto Penne is a satisfying meal on its own, but here are some ideas for serving it:

  • Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
  • Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for sopping up the extra sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy kick.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Shrimp Pesto Penne is best enjoyed fresh, but you can also prepare components ahead of time or store leftovers for later.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended, as the shrimp and pesto may not hold up well upon thawing.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent the pasta from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta shape you like. Rotini, farfalle, or even spaghetti would all work well in this recipe.

2. Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, you can! Thaw the shrimp completely before using them in the recipe.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes, you can! Omit the shrimp and add more vegetables, such as broccoli florets, zucchini, or asparagus.

4. Can I add other ingredients to this dish? Definitely! Cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts would be delicious additions.

This Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe is a quick, easy, and flavorful way to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal. With its fresh ingredients, vibrant pesto sauce, and tender shrimp, it’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table!

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Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe

Shrimp Pesto Penne Recipe

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  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

 This Shrimp Pesto Penne is a quick and easy pasta dish that’s bursting with fresh flavors! Tender shrimp, crisp sugar snap peas, and penne pasta are tossed in a vibrant pesto sauce with a hint of lemon. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (21 to 25 count)
  • 1 (8 ounce) package sugar snap peas, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 (8 ounce) container refrigerated prepared pesto
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Cook Shrimp and Snap Peas: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes undisturbed. Add snap peas and stir until shrimp are almost opaque.
  3. Combine and Finish: Stir in pesto and cooked pasta until well combined. Add lemon zest and juice. Toss to combine. Add reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
  • If you don’t have sugar snap peas, you can substitute with another type of green vegetable, such as asparagus or broccoli florets.
  • Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

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